Library Membership Benefits

Whether you're a Rice graduate, Rice faculty or staff member, community member or just a lover of knowledge, the Friends of Fondren Library needs your support as a member to enhance the Fondren Library’s collections and fulfill its ongoing need for resources and services. Please join today!

MEMBERSHIP LEVELS(All memberships are fully tax-deductible.)

Librarian’s Circle ($2500)

Librarian’s Circle members receive all of the privileges listed below plus:

Patron ($250)

Eligibility for short courses at the GIS/Data Center and Digital Media Commons (space permitting, registration required)

Up to four additional memberships for household members (must be ages 16-18 and live at home)

Use of dedicated study room twice in fall and twice in spring, plus 10 additional times June-August (on a first-come, first-served basis). Reservations must be made at least 3 business days in advance through the Friends of Fondren Library executive director at mary.lowery@rice.edu.

Advance notice of lectures, receptions, the annual gala and other special events

Unlimited use of the library's public computers for online research

News from Fondren, published twice a year

Annual library circulation privileges which allow a member to check out up to four (4) books at a time for 28 days, renewable online for an additional 28 days the first time. If you would like to keep the same books longer, you will need to come in and see a circulation staff member for additional renewal time

Eligibility for a library entrance/access card ($10 fee per member payable to RUPD) - Please plan to go by RUPD the day after you have applied for membership, or renewal of your membership, to pay and receive your access card. Each member has to be present and show their driver's license when applying for this access card.Please note: This access card is only for front and back door access to Fondren Library. (By swiping this card, you can go directly through the turnstyles.) Please remember: To check out books, you need your Fondren library card also.

*Nonprofit staff members must call 713-348-5157 to join Friends of Fondren Library to guarantee eligibility for short courses and individual training and assistance at the GIS/Data Center and Digital Media Commons (subject to availability, registration and appointment required).

**Non-Rice students must present a valid student ID to be eligible for short courses and individual training and assistance at the GIS/Data Center and Digital Media Commons (subject to availability, registration and appointment required).